Cru (wine)

Blanc de blanc grand Cru champagne

Grand Cru champagne 2

Cru is a term used in the wine industry to denote vineyards, or a group of vineyards, recognized for their quality and distinctive character. The concept of cru is most prominently used in France, where it is integral to the classification systems of various wine regions. This term is particularly associated with the Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne regions, but it is also used in other wine-producing countries to signify a high-quality vineyard or wine.

Origin and Meaning

The word "cru" is derived from the French word cru, meaning "growth". In the context of wine, it refers to the growth of vines in a particular terroir; terroir being a French term that encompasses the unique combination of natural factors such as soil, climate, and topography that gives a wine its distinctive character.

Classification Systems

In the wine regions of France, the classification of cru vineyards is a formalized process, with each region having its own criteria and categories.

Bordeaux

In Bordeaux, the Classification of 1855 is the most famous, focusing primarily on the Médoc region. Wines are classified into five categories of "Growths" (Grands Crus Classés), with Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, and Château Haut-Brion among the first growths. The Saint-Émilion region has its own classification system, which is updated periodically, and includes Premier Grand Cru Classé A and B rankings.

Burgundy

Burgundy's classification system is more complex, focusing on the vineyards themselves rather than the producers. The classifications range from Grand Cru, the highest level, followed by Premier Cru, Village, and Regional wines. Grand Cru vineyards such as Romanée-Conti and Chambertin are renowned for producing some of the world's most prestigious wines.

Champagne

In Champagne, the Échelle des Crus system was historically used to classify vineyards into 100 percent Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and other vineyards. This system influenced grape pricing but has been phased out, though the terms Grand Cru and Premier Cru are still used to denote quality.

Usage Outside France

While the concept of cru is most closely associated with France, it has been adopted in other wine-producing countries, albeit in a less formalized manner. In Italy, terms like "Cru" and "Vigna" are used to denote specific vineyards with a reputation for quality. Similarly, in the New World, the term is sometimes used informally to refer to a vineyard or wine of particularly high quality.

Controversies and Challenges

The cru classification systems, particularly in Bordeaux and Burgundy, have faced criticism for being outdated or too rigid. Critics argue that the systems do not always reflect current quality, as they are based on historical data and do not account for improvements in winemaking techniques or changes in vineyard ownership and management. Additionally, the high status and price associated with cru wines can make them inaccessible to many wine enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The term cru remains a significant marker of quality and heritage in the wine industry, symbolizing the pinnacle of what a vineyard can produce. Despite controversies, the classification systems that define cru status help preserve the tradition and history of wine-making in regions where they are applied, guiding consumers in their selection of fine wines.